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Statues of
Abraham Lincoln
Henry Hering
Excerpts from newspapers and other
sources
From the files of the
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection
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Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
State of Indiana through the Indiana State Library
http://archive.org/details/statueshlinc
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Decenber 29. 1931
* f r. Arthur ?. Brown
Union Trust fhm
Indianapolis, Indiana
% denr ?v. 3rovra:
Several months ago yon ©swe rae a brief
Interview about the possibility of erecting a
Lincoln statue at Indianapolis at some suitable
place as directed in a request in a sill of an
estate, through our Svaapany.
Too will recall 2 left with you some
photographs of Lincoln statues which 1 suggested
alight be available, as a very reasonable price.
Will you kindly advise If anything hr?s
been done about this matter as I am anxious to
knew whether or not you ecrteraplste using the
statue suggested.
Very sincerely yo-rs.
D5 rector
Lincoln Historical Hesesreh Foundation
A. MURRAY TURNER. CHAIRMAN
HAMMOND
INDIANA'S COMMISSION
E. J. BARKER, SECRETARY
THORNTOWN
A CENTURY OF PROGRESS
FRANK C. BALL
MUNCIE
INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION
CHARLES O. GRAFTON
MUNCIE
CHICAGO
MRS. H. B. BURNET
INDIANAPOLIS
1933
WM. ALPEN
VALPARAISO
GEORGE ADE
BROOK
PERRY MCCART
WEST BADEN
W. H. O'BRIEN
LAWRENCEBURG
cL
Vv ; 7 jsc-cx — ^^
MEMORIAL IN HONOR OF LINCOLN
NOW TO ADORN UNIVERSITY PARK
Statue Will Be Erected at Southeast Corner From Money
in Forgotten Trust Fund Left for Purpose by Henry
C. Long in 1901 — Board Considers Plans.
A memorial In honor of Abraham
Lincoln, in the form of an impressive
statue, will be erected in the south-
east corner of University park, from
money In a forgotten truest fund left
to the city many years ago.
Its action timed appropriately to take
place on the eve of Lincoln's birthday,
the board of park commissioners has
ordered an investigation to determine
the amount of money available In the
fund, which is expected to amount to
approximately $25,000, with the ac-
crued interest.
A nation-wide contest of sculptors
is being considered by the park board
in order to obtain a design for a
statue which will harmonize with the
general scheme in the War Memorial
Plaza. Conferences will be held with
the War Memorial committee to ob-
tain co-operation of that group in
completion of the memorial project.
Placed In Trust.
The trust fund was left to the city,
to be administered by the board of
park commissioners, by Henry C. Long,
wealthy Indianapolis lumberman, who
died at Phoenix, Ariz., in 1801. Mr.
Long left $10,000 to the city, with the
stipulation that it be used to erect a
atue of Lincoln in the southeast
irner of the park.
With the other part of the estate,
was plated in the hands of the
uion Trust Company, and accrued
terest in that period probably would
nount to approximately $25,000, ac-
irding to the estimate of Jackiel
Joseph, park board president. The
board has directed H. Nathan Swaim,
its attorney, to make an immediate in-
vestigation, determining the exact
amount of money available and to ob-
tain a court order for its release.
Five successive park boards have
been in and out of office since the be-
quest was made, and the trust fund
had been forgotten. The last time It
was brought up for consideration was
in 1927, when John P. Milner was
board president. The board decided
at that time to erect a statue In ac-
cordance with terms of the bequest,
but did not obtain the money and
nothing developed from the action.
Previously to that time, the trust fund
had been "discovered" in 1918, when
the board was headed by Charles E.
Coffin. Mr. Joseph, who had no
knowledge of the fund until recently,
asserted that the present is an es-
pecially appropriate time to spend the
money In such a project.
To Hold Conference.
A nation-wide contest of sculptors
for the design of an appropriate
statue could be conducted with the
amount now available, Mr. Joseph
said. The board will hold a confer-
ence with Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan
to acquaint him with the situation
and to get his approval of the project.
Conferences likewise will be held with
the War Memorial committee to de-
termine who will have complete juris-
diction of erection of the memorial,
as University park has become a part
of the plaza since the bequett was
made.
The will of Mr. Long also placed a
trust fund for the amount of the resi-
due of his estate Into the hands of
the Union Trust Company for the
founding of a college for girls in the
city. According to information from
the Trust Company, the memorial be-
quest has been Included in this fund,
and the interest which has acrued
on the $10,000 has not been deter-
mined.
THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS, TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1933.
CITY TO SEEK USE OF
IF
Bequest Stipulated Erection
of Lincoln Statue.
OTHER PLANS ADVANCED
Steps toward obtaining the use ol a
$10,000 trust fund left to the city many
years ago to erect a statue of Abra-
ham Lincoln will be taken Wednesday,
when H. Nathan Swaim, park board
attorney, files a petition In the Marion
county probate court for possession
of the money. The fund ts a part of
an estate and Is on deposit in the
Union Trust Company.
The trust was bequeathed to the
city by Henry C. Long, wealthy In-
dianapolis lumberman, who died in
1901, with the stipulation that it be
used to erect a statue of Lincoln in
the northeast corner of University
park. It has been forgotten by many
park boards since that time and was
called to the attention of the present
park board last winter on the eve of
Lincoln's birthday. Other park boards
had made indifferent attempts to ob-
tain the legacy, but the money has
remained in possession of the Union
Trust Company. The accumulated in-
terest is expected to amount to several
thousand dollars.
According to terms of the will, Mrs.
Long was to use the Interest on the
$10,000 until her death. After that
time the interest was to revert to the
city. Mrs. Long died June 6, 1916,
leaving a period of nearly seventeen
years for the interest to accumulate.
The estate of Mr. Long was esti-
mated at $750,000 at the time of his
death and still is pending in probate
court.
Since the forgotten trust fund was
called to the board's attention by The
News, many letters have been received
by the park department, suggesting
other ways of using the money. One
suggestion jvas that a new building be
constructed for the Planner house, a
colored institution, and this pro-
posal has received support from sev-
eral persons. An architect has at-
tempted to obtain permission to draw
plans for the proposed new building.
Mr. Swaim has pointed out that the
money only can be used for erection
of a statue, as that expressly Is pro-
vided in the will.
Jackiel W. Joseph, president of the
park board, has suggested that a na-
tion-wide contest be conducted for the
best design for a statue, but letters
have been received urging that only
Indianapolis talent be enlisted..
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April 21, 1933
Mrs. R, B. J3urciet
4417 TTorth Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, Indiana
?!y dear Mrs. Burnet:
•Thank yon v^ry much for the clippings
relating, to the possibility of erecting a Lincoln monument
in Indianapolis.
Possibliy it night not be out of place for
mo to write >f r. Joseph, President of Ma *ird and
make some suggestion as t the historical Lincoln who
■herald be portrayed In I:xdianapolis.
7 tli Ink all would bo agreed that inasmuch
as Lincoln spoke there on his own birthday in 18G1 end
that thetBte-TPr^ces thorc have bocorae fanotis, thai
Lincoln in Indianapolis should be the President-eloct.
"That I believe would give a very definite Indianapolis
atnosphore to the statu©.
I an also going to take the liberty to
suggest some sculptors who have done commendable marbles
of Lincoln and possibly I can interest ^ur ,f r. ?!ead in
contacting tho board also.
Thank you very much for tho clippings and
the suggestion that we cooperate as fully as possible with
the commission.
Very sincerely yours,
Director
LAtfjAAW Lincoln rational Mfe Foundation
Lincoln Statue Fund
Is 'Found' in Indiana
/r .. i^ — > ?
Special to The Christian Science Monitor
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In 1901.
Henry C. Long, wealthy lumber-
man, established a trust fund of
$10,000 for erection and mainte-
nance of a statue of Abraham Lin-
coln on the southeast corner of
what was then the city'v new Uni-
versity Park.
The fund was forgotten, but
when rediscovered on books of an
Indianapolis bank this summer had
automatically increased to $16,000.
The city park board was notified,
and after numerous legal skirmishes
it has obtained undisputed posses-
sion of the money.
Meantime, University Park has
been incorporated as a part of the
World War Memorial Plaza which
extends northward from Monument
Circle in downtown Indianapolis.
So the park board has decided to
give the long-proposed statue to the
plaza, to be erected on the spot
originally intended by Mr. Long.
The Lincoln figure will be seated
and of heroic size. The Lincoln
tall hat will rest beside the chair,
all on a granite base six feet 'high. !
Mr. Henry Hering of New York is'
| the sculptor selected.
WOULD HE MONEY WELL USED.
To the Editor of The Star:
You have doubtless Been in the
press the suggestion made by D.
T. Weir of the Indianapolis public,
schools to the effect that the $10,000
donated by Henry C. Long for
the erection of a Lincoln memorial
in University park might be used for
building a new Flanner house for
the benefit of thousands of under-
privileged Negroes whom the insti-
tution serves. Perhaps there is no
greater need In the city, certainly
not for colored people, than an ade-
quate plant for Flanner house with
its \ a iicd program of helping under-
privileged Negroes of our city help
themselves through our employment
bureau, day nursery, laundry school,
sewing, cooking and other voca-
tional classes, pre-kindergarten,
neighborhood clubs, health clinics
and makeover shop. Besides there is
the vast field of opportunity which
we have been unable to touch be-
cause of lack of facilities. Our board
for several years has had under dis-
cussion the matter of a new plant
for the institution, but has been
estopped by present economic condi-
tions. We now feel that ancnt the
suggestion made by Mr. Weir we
have a very fine opportunity at least
to present our needs to the public.
C. H. WINDERS, President.
HENRY L. HEROD,
Superintendent.
c : s? o -
> '::::: miiiiiiim W^l
ANEW
STATUE OF
THE GREAT
EMANCIPATOR:
ABRAHAM
LINCOLN,
a Bronze Memo-
rial Designed by
Henry Hering,
hich Has Been
ac^milL Univer "
sity Parl^outh
of the World
Memorial in In-
dianapolis. The
Memorial Was
Made Possible by
a^-Bequest of
Years
<.V?Il
Ago-
Service.
A NEW MEMORIAL TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The sealed figure in bronze of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Henry Ilering,
was erected in University I'ark, Indianapolis, in late December. The Lincoln
Memorial was made possible by a bequest from Henry C. Long, some
thirty-three years ago
See "Lincoln at Indianapolis" by Orien W. Fifer
NEW YORK HERALD TRIBUNE,
New Statues Honor Lincoln in 125th Year After His Birth
Louis H. Dreyer photo Associated Press plioto
At left, Henry Hering's representation of the President, which is to be erected in Indianapolis, and the
bronze of "Lincoln at Prayer," by the late Herbert Houck, which has just been presented to the Wash-
inglon Cathedral by the sculptor's sister, Mrs. William T. Hildrup jr., of New York
Indianapolis toGet Statue
Of Lincoln After 33 Yrs.
New Yorker Doing Memorial
Bequeathed to City in 1901
Special to the Herald Tribune
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 11.— Thirty-
three years after Henry C. Long, In-
dianapolis lumberman, bequeathed
$10,000 for a memorial to Abraham
Lincoln, his request Is about to be
compiled with. A figure of the mar-
tyred President, eight feet four Inches
In height, has been designed by
Henry Hering, New York sculptor, and
probably will be placed In position
and dedicated this summer. It will
be placed In the southeast corner
of University Park, Just south of the
World War memorial, In the down-
town district's civic center.
The original bequest has grown
through accrued Interest since 1901
to about $25,000. Each succeeding
city administration has opposed the
location chosen for the statue, argu-
ing It would throw the design of
University Square out of balance. The
present Board of Park Commission-
ers, however, thought differently and
conducted a nation-wide contest,
with the award going to Mr. Hering.
The base for the statue already ha»
been prepared, and Mr. Hering is at
work on the statue In his New York
studios.
DATE SET BACK
F
Dedication of Lincoln Statue
in University Park to
% /?-*£' Be in Spring.
Dedication of the new Lincoln
statue at 6he southeastern corner
of University Park, which at one
time tentatively was set for today,
has been postponed until some date
in the spring to permit more suitable
weather for ceremonies of unveiling.
It is understood the Board of Park
Commissioners will take some action
toward the program at a meeting
in March.
A. C. Sallee, superintendent of
parks, said it is the present inten-
tion to arrange extensive ceremonies
with school children, city and state
officials and various organizations
participating-. Former Mayor Regi-
nald If. Sullivan, now ' in Florida,
under whose administration the sta-
tue was erected, would be an honor
guest at the -event.
Sculpturing- Wins Praise.
The sculpturing by Henry Herlng
of New York has been compared fa-
vorably with the widely known
works of Augustus St. Gaudena. Her-
ing, also sculptor of the "Pro
Patria" on the south steps of the
World War Memorial Shrine, was a
student of St. Gaudens and did a
great deal of the workmen the fa-
mous St. Gaudens Lincoln now in
Lincoln park, Chicago.
The statue here was made possible
by a donation of Henry C. Long,
Civil War veteran and an admirer
of the Emancipator. The money re-
mained in a fund thirty years before
its use in the joint project of the
park board and -the Board of Com-
missioners of the Indiana World War
Memorial Plaza.
>ini ur.n with
SATURDAY
MORNING, APRIL 6, 1935 ;
fCOLN UNVEILING
Erecting nf the sculpture has been
a joint undertaking of the War Me-
morial Commission and the Indian-
apolis Board of Park Commissioners.
Mayor Kern will present the statue
to the Memorial Commission on be-
half of the city. Addresses also will
be made by former Mayor Sullivan,
under whose administration the
bronze was placed; Marcus S. Sonn-
tag, president of the War Memorial
Commission, and Dr." Louis A. War-
ren of Fort Wayne, editor of Lincoln
Lore and nationally known authority
on the life of the Emancipator.
The statue, made possible by a be-
quest of Henry C. Long, Civil War
veteran and former wealthy lumber
man here, is the work of Henry Her-
ing, New York sculptor, who also
carved the "Pro Patria" on the south
steps of the War Memorial Shrine. It
is regarded among the best Lincolns
in the country. Hering was a stu-
dent of Augustus St. Gaudens.
The unveiling program follows:
Music by 11th Infantry Band
Civil War Airs
Albert H. Gisler, Vice President
Board of Park Commissioners
Permanent Chairman
Invocation :
The Rev. Stewart Long,
Formpr Department Chaplin,
American Legion
Address:
Former Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan
. Unveiling Statue
Presentation of Statue:
Mayor John W. Kern
Address:
Marcus S. Sonntag,
President Indiana World War
Memorial
Address:
Dr. Louis A. Warren of Fort Wayne,
Editor of Lincoln Lore
Benediction:
The Rt. Rev. Raymond Noll
Music:
"Star-Spangled Banner"
ARMY DAY FEATURE
. . w
A closeup of the lace of the Lincoln statue in University Square
by Henry Hering.
Mayor John W. Kern and former Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan will
take leading parts today in dedication of the beautiful Abraham Lin-
coln statue at the southeast corner of University Square. The cere-
mony, to begin at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, will be a feature of the
Army day program on the World War Memorial 1'laza, which is ex-
pected to attract thousands to :.ee the latest In the nation's military
equipment.
DEDICATE LINCOLN
STATUE TODAY
This new seated figure
of the great emanci-
pator, designed by
Henry Hering of New
York, is being dedi-
cated today in Univer-
sity park in Indian-
apolis.
STATE CONTRIBUTION
TO LINCOLN STRESSED
Indiana's contribution to the character and culture of Abraham
Lincoln was stressed yesterday in the dedication of the Henry Hering
statue of the Emancipator in the southeast corner of University
Square. Funds for the statue were willed the city by Henry C. Long,
Civil War veteran and former Indianapolis citizen.
"Many people do not know that
Abraham Lincoln spent nearly one-
fourth of his life in Indiana — and
the most impressionable years at
that/' said Dr. Louis A. Warren of
Fort Wayne, editor of Lincoln Lore
and director of the Lincoln National
Life Foundation. Dr. Warren, a na-
tional authority on Lincoln/ was the
principal speaker at the dedication.
Among World's Greatest.
"In a list of the world's most
famous characters graven in stone
in Indiana University Lincoln Is in-
cluded," said Dr. Warren. "In the
list of six greatest world figures
selected recently by the eminent
historian,- H. G. Wells, he again is
included, and there can be no charge
of provincialism in that selection.
Woodrow Wilson called him the
composite character of America, the
great American.
"Lincoln exemplifies Indiana. He
was born in the year Indiana became
a territory; he came to Indiana in
1816, when it achieved statehood.
The growth of the state from the
time he came here until he left is
tj'pical of his growth. He was here
from his seventh year to his twenty-
first, and when he left he was not
an ignorant boy, but a well-read
young man able to cope with the
best of Illinois politicians.
Refers to Army Day.
"Dedication of this statue shows
that Indiana is recognizing its part
in the formation of Lincoln's life,
the part the state played in the for-
mation of thia world character. His
life is a challenge to Indiana to aid
in producing other famous citizens."
Dr. Warren spoke of the fitness
of dedicating the statue on Army
day.
"Of the lists of great men I have
cited he is the only military figure,"
he said. "Lincoln said the happiest
moment In his life was when he was
made captain of his company in the
Blackhawk War."
Former Mayor Reginald H. Sulli-
van, under whose administration the
statue was placed, lauded the mem-
ory pf Its dpnor, Mr. Long.
"I also congratulate members of
the Indianapolis Board of Park Com-
missioners and the Indiana World
War Memorial Commission," he said.
"They have co-operated and placed
the statue in the exact spot where
Mr. Long wished it. I hope that the
time will come when each approach
to this downtown park may be
graced with, a statue of a great
man and that. we. may become known
as not the largest city, but as the
one in which it is best to live."
Accepted by Batton.
Mayor John W. Kern, in presenting
Jhe statue to the boards, said that
Lincoln always would be "part of the
great American tradition." Robert
R. Batton of Marion, vice president
of the World War Memorial board
of trustees, received the statue. Al-
bert- H. Gisler, vice' president' of the
Board of Park Commissioners, pre-
sided. Representatives of the G. A.
R. attanded, and the 11th infantry
band from Fort Harrison played.
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, BOSTON, THURSDAY
Indiana Pays Tribute to Lincoln
Great Emancipator lived in
State from time he teas
7 till he teas 21. ISew
bronze statue forms unit
of $15,000,000 florid
War Memorial in Indian-
apolis.
Special to The Christian Science Monitor
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.. April 10—
Indiana is recognizing its contribu-
tion to the life of Abraham Lincoln,
who spent 14 years on Hoosier soil,
Dr. Louis A. Warren, of Fort Wayne,
said in dedicating a life-size statue
of the Civil War President as part
of Army Day observance here.
The Lincoln statue, sculptured by
Henry Hering of New York was
placed at the southeast corner of
University Park as one unit of In-
diana's $15,000,000 World War
Memorial. The statue was made
possible by a bequest of the late
Henry C. Long, a Civil War veteran.
This statue, dedicated by Hoosier
statesmen, educators and civic lead-
ers, is a link in a rapidly increasing
number of memorials to President
Lincoln, who lived in Indiana from
the time he was 7 to 21 years of age.
The Great American
In dedicating the statue, Dr.
Warren said:
"Many people do not know that |
Abraham Lincoln spent 14 of the
most impressionable years on In-
diana soil.
"In a list of the world's most i
famous characters graven in stone [
at Indiana University, Lincoln is
included. In a list of the world's
six greatest figures selected by the
eminent historian* H. G. Wells, re-
cently, he was included. There can
be charge of provincialism in his
selection. Woodrow Wilson called
Lincoln the composite character of
America, the great American.
Grew With Ihe State
"Lincoln exemplifies Indiana. He
mM
"illJUiilL
was born in the year Indiana be-
came a territory; he came to Indiana
in 1816 when Indiana achieved its
statehood.
"The growth of the State from the
time he came here until he left is
typical of his growth. He came as a
pioneer boy and left as a well-read
young man able to cope with the
best of Illinois politicians. Dedica-
tion of this statue shows that Indi-
ana is recognizing its part in the
formation of Lincoln's life. His life
is a challenge to Indiana to produce
other famous citizens."
Dr. Warren said that of the lists
of great men he mentioned Indiana
was the only military figure.
Part of American Tradition
Mayor John W. Kern in receiving
the statue on the part of the city of
JJJ1L1
Wide World
Execute
!tXlLll.L.~
New Lincoln Statue in Bronz<
Henry Hering or New York and Ded
Park, Indianapolis
Indianapolis, said that Lincoln al-
ways would be "a part of the great
American tradition."
Mr. Hering, sculptor of the statue,
is author also of the Pro Patria
statue which is a centerpiece cf the
approach to the great shrine of the
World War Memorial.
A bronze plaque, with quotations
from Lincoln, marks the spot where
he addressed a Hoosier audience at
the corner of Illinois and Washing-
ton Streets in the heart of Indian-
apolis. Indiana has set aside 5000
acres at Lincoln City in Spencer i
County as a memorial. This includes
the original 60-acre farm of Thomas
Lincoln and the burial place of his
mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. The j
State is planning a unit in the Lin- |
coin Memorial Highway from To- j
binsport to Vmcennes.
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April 16, 1935
Mr. A. M. Sweeney
312 *. 13th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana
My dear Mr. Sweeney;
©aank you very such for your letter with
reference to the dedication of the statue of Abraham
Lincoln at Indicnapolis.
Of course I regret v?ry ranch that mora publicity
waenot given to the dedication nM that It apparently was
unknown to a great many people in Indianapolis. As it was,
it reined of course during the day which out down the
attendance to a v.iry ereall group.
I trust acne t<ne while I or in Indianapolis
I nay j;ave the opportunity of meeting you.
Very truly yours.
Director
Lincoln National Life Foundation
?
Paul N. Turner
Counsellor at Law
1476 Broadway
TIMES SQUARE
NEW YORK
March 22, 1937
Dr. Louis A. ,/arren,
■Lincoln National Life foundation,
'ort u'ayne , Indiana.
Dear Sir:
Jhrough the courtesy of Miss Lavon Jperry I have
been receiving your bulletin from time to time and was
especially interested in the one of i.,arch 15th, 1957
referring to ;, St . Gaudens' Lincoln^". It happens that
a very intimate friend of mine is a very well known
sculptor - Henry He ring - and in my many talks with him
regarding this art, in which I have a very pronounced
lay interest, i knew that he was for many years a favorite
pupil and assistant to I."r. St. Gaudens and also that
during the last eight or ten years of Mr, St. Gaudens
life he was called upon to execute many of his more im-
portant commissions. Knowing this l spoke to Mr f
He ring about this article and he told me that one of
these Lincolns, largely executed by him, was the seated
Lincoln in Grant lark, Chicago which, by the way, has
the American Flag draped on the back of the chair and
not a shawl •
Mr. Hering has always been of the opinion that
the standing Lincoln is the greatest of them all. It
may also interest you to know that Mr. Hering himself
made a seated statue of Lincoln which is now placed in
the Civic Center, Indianapolis, Ind» It is the statue
which is very highly spoken of by his contemporaries and
thinking it might be of interest to you I got the en-
closed illustration from the New York Times. If a
photograph would be of value to you I am quite sure I
could get one for you for your file.
Much of your Lincoln Lore is very interesting and
some of it a welcome addition to source material .
Incidentally only a short time ago I received from a
Professor in a Connecticut college a copy of an interview
had in 1916 by the writer of the interview with Col.
Overton J. Conger who was the chief figure in the capture
of John ;7ilkes Booth. My recollection is that it was
rather a complete stenographic report and was sent to me
for disposal to one of the newspapers or magazines appearing
around Lincoln's birthday. Unfortunately it didn't come
> fi
Dr. Louis A. Warren,
-a-
March 22, 1937 .
to hand in time<> Col. Conger acted directly under Stanton's
orders and the account, as I recollect it, is quite thrilling,
March 24, 1937
Mr. Paul H. Turner
1476 Broadway
Sow York, Sen York
My dear Mr. Turner:
Thank you for your kind letter of March 22 with
respect to the St. Gaudene statue bulletin recently Issued.
I take pleasure In enclosing a copy of Lincoln Lore which
gives a list of the living sculptors of Abraham Lincoln
among which you will find Mr. Bering's name.
It might be of Interest for you to know that I was
the principal speaker at the dedication of the Bering statue
in Indianapolis so X am quite familiar with it;
It was also my pleasure to dedicate Laredo T&ft's
last work, the mammoth bronze tablet at Quincy, Illinois,
depicting the Lincoln -Douglas Debate there.
It will be of interest for yoa to know that there
will be released on Friday, March 26, possibly the most
sensational book which has appeared on Lincoln's assassination
which treats Col .Conger in rather a rough way, if I recall
correctly, but the whole book Is vary sensational so It is
not surprising that Conger would come under the condemnation
of the author. Endowed you will find an advance notice of
the book which will give you some idea of its contents.
Very truly yours
Lfitt:AAM Director
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THE INDIANAPOLIS SUNDAY
WASHINGTON, LINCOLN GIVEN
HONOR HERE IN MANY WAYS
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Above — Though not widely known by that name, the intersec-
tion of Washington and Illinois streets and Kentucky avenue has
been Lincoln square by city ordinance since 1922. Here meet the
street and square named after Abraham Lincoln and George Wash-
ington, whose birthdays are observed this month.
Below — The statue of Abraham Lincoln (left) in University
square, and (right) the bust of George Washington in the main en-
'JrFfnirtgnir'frrrt'Tf*'" "if* 1 SchooL
In bronze,' in brick, in concrete,'
in blades ot green grass — these and
many other material ways have the
ilizens of Indianapolis chosen tp
honor the memory of two Presit
lents of the United States whose
mthdays are celebrated
uonth.
George Washington and Abra-ln
Square Named for Lincoln.
Lincoln, whose hirthduy is Satur-
thisday, is the only President to have
a square named in his honor here.
March, 1922, the city Council
iam Lincoln, who guided the na-passed a special ordinance desig-
mn through two of its most cnti-nating the square and April 10 of
al periods, have numerous monu-the same year, Samuel Lewis
nents attesting their greatness andShank, then mayor, approved it.
•sleem, located in all sections oJ The ordinance, sponsored by
lie city. Sahara Grotto of Indianapolis,
Few Shafts or Statues. ^'f' ? "* he . ^^l of Property
and that adjoining thereto at the
In only one or two instancesj ntersecliorl of Washington street,
lowever, do the monuments takdllinois street and Kentucky ave-
he form of a shaft or a statue, fo.nue," to be known as Lincoln
ocal residents found other way square.
n which to perpetuate the mem "Whereas Abraham Lincoln
iv of the father of his countr.spent the formative period of his
nd ihe great emancipator. life in the state of Indiana, and
Public schools and streets hav whereas, the city of Indianapolis
een named after both President vva s honored by his presence when
in only Lincoln has a monumer ne spoke to a large crowd of citi-
rected in his honor in a publ zens whiIe passing through the
lace. It is in University SquaJ nt y on his way to Washington for
here a large bnonze statue of tH hls nrst inauguration as the Presi-
ivil War President has bea dent of 1he United States and,
laced. Only one bust of Was w .'\ ereas . this fact make this spot
ngten could be found in a pub historic in the eyes of all the citi-
• semipublic building in the eitn ens ot Jxiduxa, and whereas In-
George Washington High Scho] dian fP° lls " ev , er ere ^ed a monu-
Erection of the Lincoln stat ment nor dedicated any spot in
as made possible through a J 525^2 ° f Abrahanl Lincoln," the
lest made to the city bv Hen] °™ nan ^ was prefaced. It was last-west thoroughfare and is a
\ Long, Feb. 15, 1918. Mr. Lo^ "! f° * eaTs later , that th e>art of United States transconti-
ft $10,000 in his will to obtain tl J^SlSted UniVeFSlty SqUare was 'ental highway No. 40.
hiatue. Before the city had cor ' Boulevard in 1896.
mssioned a sculptor to do tl Park Dedicated. T , on . ... . . . . .
Tti.P th» fnnri had »rnum t n n r> u in 1896 Washington boulevard
atue, the iuna had grown to a Perhaps the outstanding monu- _, , . . ■
ioximately $17,000, principal ai ment here to Washington aside tas dedlcated ,n memory ot
iterest. Henry Hering of Ne from thoroughfares, made in his' eor S e Washington. The boule-
ork created the statue, which h honor, is George Washington park ard extends from Fair creek to
een hailed by art critics as 01 at Keystone avenue and Stuart ne 6400 block north. Several
I Ihe best ever done of Lincol street. The 128.67-acre tract of ears later a one-half block street
i js in the southeast corner of tl land was opened as a public park ^tending west from 3243 Wash-
tuare. under the Board of Park Cornmis- igton boulevard was named Wash-
sioners in 1923, having been pur- ngtpn court. There also is a Wash-
chased with a $114,735 bond issue, ngton avenue extending from the
It was known aa Dearborn parkioo block on. West Washington
street northwest to White river.
There is only one thoroughfare
in the city named after Lincoln.
It is Lincoln street extending from
1601 Madison avenue east to
Leonard street. It formerly was
know as Lincoln lane but in
1896 the name was changed to' Lin-
coln street. Fifteenth street from
Central avenue to Newman street
once was known as Lincoln avenue
but the name was changed in 1895
because of conflicting street names.
There are no roads or streets in
Marion county outside Indianapolis
named after either President, al-
though one township in the coun-
ty boars the name of Washington
township. There also are no pub-
lic schools in the county, outside
the city, honoring either President.
School Builds Up Tradition.
The Board of Indianapolis School
Commissioners, however, have
named grade. schools after the chief
executives in addtion to George
Washington High School. The lat-
ter was known as Washington High
School when opened in 1927 but in
1030, at the request of Walter
Gingery, principal, and other mem-
bers of the faculty and residents
of the community, the name was
changed to George Washington
High School. The principal ex-
plained that the school originally
several years, but April 14, 1932,
members of the mayor's George
Washington bicentennial commit-
tee appeared before the park board
with a request that the name be
changed to George Washington
park. Board members granted the
request of Chairman Theodore B.
Grilhth and other members of the
committee. The park still is un-
der development and only recently
drives, picnic grounds and a wad-
ing pool were constructed.
A. Charles Sallee, superintendent
of parks, said there is no marker
or plaque of any kind in the park
to show it was named in honor of
the first President, although he
said the park board is considering
erection of some kind of sign to
designate the park.
The first local honor to either
President came in 1821 when the
original plat of Indianapolis was
drawn. The main street of the
town was named Washington street
and extended across the city from
east to west. Washington street
has continued to be the principal
was named for Washington street
and had only a remote connection
with the President. Mr. Gingery
said that since the name was
changed, the school has built a
tradition around George Washing-
ton. The athletic teams are known
as the "Continentals," the senior
boy's honor society as the "Min-
ute Men," the senior girl's honor
group as "The Washingtonians"
and the chorus as the "Colonial
chorus."
A bust of Washington is in the
main entrance of the high school
and a large painting, gift of J. K.
Lilly Sr., is hung in the auditorium.
The painting, showing Washington
astride his horse, was the work of
B German artist. It was exhibited
at. the world's fair in Chicago in
1893 and later was owned by a Cin-
cinnati (O.) art collector. The high
school was built at a cost of $450,-
000 and a $325,000 addition is being
constructed.
The George Washington public
grade school is at 1675 Sheldon
street and the Abraham Lincoln
grade school is at 1001 East
Palmer street. There also are two
local churches with the name of
Washington, the Washington M. E.
Church at 2801 West Washington
street, and the Washington Street
Presbyterian Church at 1800 West
Washington street.
Three "Georges" In City.
There are three Indianapolis
residents who bear the name
"George Washington," living at 173
Geisendorff street, 523 West 19th
street, No. 11, and at 1352 South
Pershing avenue.
The old Washington baseball
park on West Washington street
was vacated in 1930 when the
new Perry stadium was erected
Hotels have been named after both
Presidents, the Lincoln at Wash-
ington and Illinois streets, on Lin-
coln square, and the Washington,
30 East Washington street. There
is a Lincoln Club at 523 North
Belle Vieu place, and the Lincoln
Union Lodge at 534 16 Indiana ave-
nue. A cemetery, Washington
Park cemetery, is on United States
road No. 40, near Cumberland.
Other civic and political organiza-
tions also have been named in
honor of both Presidents.
'Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith
let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it"
lXAPOLIS STAR, TUESDAY, SEPTEMJBE
le Sat In Emancipator's Lap
Strolling along New York street
to take in the sights, 13-year-old
Roland Dovvell of St. Joseph, Mo.,
yesterday spotted the ■ Lincoln
tatue in University park and
climbed up into the emancipator's
lap. "I just wanted to sit in Lin-
coln's lap so I could tell the folks
back home," Roland, who is visit-
ing relatives in Indianapolis, fold
the photographer.
o tti Lloyd B Walton. Times Staff Photographer.
IINCOLN OF UNIVERSITY PARK-Most city parks have their Lincoln. In rain
through the land. _ - -
THURSDAY, FEB. 12, 1948
_ THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES
# Q,«o-0'
ONE WHO REMEMBERS HIM
Sam Strickland, who is 99 years old,
gazes on the statue of the Emancipator
he remembers from his youth. Mr.
Strickland was 15 years old when Lin-
coln's funeral procession reached Indian-
apolis. The statue at the southeast cor-
ner of University Park was a gift of the
estate of Henry C. Long, Civil War
veteran and lumberman. Henry Hering,
New York, was the sculptor. — The News
Photo, George Tilford.
SATURDAY EVENING/ FEBRUARY 12, 1949
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2-~ I 0— 6.2-
THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS
.
UF
With all the love and
admiration that her people
hold for the man who set
them free, 3-year-old Leah
Sue Davis gazes at the Uni-
versity Park statue of
Abraham Lincoln. She's
the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Charlie Davis, 2615
Indianapolis. — The News
Photo, Paul Shideler.
«m
C
LINCOLN-THE PEACEMAKER
INDIANAPOLIS. INDIANA
INCOLN SHRINE
BOY SCOUT
PILGRIMAGE
FEBRUARY 12
SCULPTOR - HENRY HERING
SPONSORED BY
THE LINCOLN
NATIONAL LIFE
FOUNDATION
Indianapolis flews, Indiana
February 12, 1958
Deserves Better Fate
This statue of Abraham Lincoln has
endured a great deal since ft was
placed in University Park. But prob-
ably rlbthing has been more of a nui-
sance and a problem than the pesky
starlings. The Junior Chamber of Com-
merce started a campaign last month
to exterminate these birds by shooting
them out of the trees. This picture in-
dicates the Jaycees are going to need a
lot more marksmen. — The News
Photo, Robert Lavelle.
Legion Is Loyal
Members of the Indiana Com-
mandery of the Loyal Legion placed
this wreath on the University Park
statue of Abraham Lincoln to honor
the 16th American President on his
birthday. Other ceremonies at the
statue today were conducted by the
Boy Scouts. — The NEWS Photo,
Larry George.
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SUBMITTED BY:
Die
Fri Nov 15 15:01:28 1996
Date: Fri Nov 15, 1996 2:14 pm EST
From: CKMcGill
EMS : INTERNET
MBX : ckmcgill@iquest.net
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Subj : Abe
According to the 1994 Indianapolis Encyclopedia, Lincoln is seated in
University Park, which is the mall between Meridian and Pennsylvania
streets, just north of the War Memorial on New York st . I called the
central library and nobody knows of it being moved in the past two years.
Young Abe was moved when there was new government buildings erected, but he
has been put back very near to his old location at 100 North Senate Ave. He
used to face East, but now faces North. This info from the State Library.
Will the Lincoln Museum of Ft. Wayne pay my fee?
So when do you quit the museum? When do you head for warm and sunny FL?
Better stay away from St. Pete, lots of unrest there.
CKM
LINCOLN HONORED-Seven Boy Scouts
yesterday marked Abraham Lincoln's
birthday with a wreath for the former
President's statue in University Park. The
boys are (left to right) William Devitt,
13 years old, 1302 North Keystone,
Roy Booher, 14, and David Booher, 11,
both of 306 South Rural Street, Donald
Watkins, 14, 3926 Wildwood Drive, Mi-
chael Walker, 11, 701 South Keystone
Avenue, Sherman Anderson, 13, 325
South Parker Avenue, and Robert Jo-
achim, 15, 3001 Meredith Avenue. (Star
Photo)
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